Sheriff warns of telephone scam

July 6, 2012

Webster County Sheriff Brian Mickelson said at least one local man appears to have been targeted for a potential scam via the telephone.

Mickelson said the man received a phone call from someone who said they were representing the federal government and told the caller he was required to purchase a supplemental government product.

The federal government, Mickelson said, doesn't make such calls. The man, who initially sent money, contacted his bank and had the payment stopped. Because the caller asked for the man's age, Mickelson said he believes the scam artist is targeting the elderly.

Information about the call has been sent to the Iowa Attorney General's office, Mickelson said.